A music festival in Italy has scrapped a planned concert by Russian conductor Valery Gergiev, facing substantial opposition from critics and human rights advocates over his ties to the Kremlin.
Concert Featuring Putin's Ally Gergiev Canceled in Italy Amid Backlash
Concert Featuring Putin's Ally Gergiev Canceled in Italy Amid Backlash
Italian officials and activists unite against the controversial conductor's performance
The organizers of the prestigious Un'Estate da RE festival, set against the backdrop of the historic Royal Palace of Caserta, have canceled the highly anticipated concert featuring the 72-year-old conductor Valery Gergiev. This decision came after days of mounting pressure from Kremlin critics and human rights organizations given Gergiev's close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Despite being scheduled for later this month, the concert was quickly overshadowed by discussions regarding Gergiev's refusal to denounce Russia's military actions in Ukraine. Since the beginning of the invasion in February 2022, Gergiev has faced bans from major Western venues, highlighting the ongoing cultural divide.
Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli labeled the cancellation a show of "common sense," emphasizing it represents "the values of the free world." The controversial concert drew ire from various groups; Ukraine's government urged its cancellation, condemning Gergiev as “Putin's mouthpiece,” stating he should not be welcomed while Russian atrocities persist.
Support for the cancellation was echoed by Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who called it "good news" and expressed that no artist who endorses the current Russian regime should be afforded a platform in Europe.
Contrastingly, Moscow's ambassador to Italy criticized the decision as "scandalous," asserting it reflects a broader agenda to "cancel" Russian culture. Gergiev, having previously performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and La Scala, has been a prominent figure in classical music but now faces extensive fallout from his affiliations as tension escalates over the war in Ukraine.
With Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni maintaining a firm stance against Putin, the cancellation of Gergiev's concert serves as a significant cultural statement amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Despite being scheduled for later this month, the concert was quickly overshadowed by discussions regarding Gergiev's refusal to denounce Russia's military actions in Ukraine. Since the beginning of the invasion in February 2022, Gergiev has faced bans from major Western venues, highlighting the ongoing cultural divide.
Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli labeled the cancellation a show of "common sense," emphasizing it represents "the values of the free world." The controversial concert drew ire from various groups; Ukraine's government urged its cancellation, condemning Gergiev as “Putin's mouthpiece,” stating he should not be welcomed while Russian atrocities persist.
Support for the cancellation was echoed by Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who called it "good news" and expressed that no artist who endorses the current Russian regime should be afforded a platform in Europe.
Contrastingly, Moscow's ambassador to Italy criticized the decision as "scandalous," asserting it reflects a broader agenda to "cancel" Russian culture. Gergiev, having previously performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and La Scala, has been a prominent figure in classical music but now faces extensive fallout from his affiliations as tension escalates over the war in Ukraine.
With Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni maintaining a firm stance against Putin, the cancellation of Gergiev's concert serves as a significant cultural statement amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
